It’s not every day you see a teeny, tiny little display under an ultra-wide one. But today’s M2 MacBook Air setup sports its dual screens that way by putting an iPad mini at the center under the big external monitor, flanked by paired HomePod minis.
The setup’s interesting highlights include a gaming handheld and a full-sized mechanical keyboard we rarely see.
If Dad’s still streaming on a laptop, it’s time for an upgrade. This iPad mini 2 bundle with headphones and more is the perfect collection for Father’s Day with everything he needs. And if you order by June 5, it’ll arrive in time for the day itself. The sale itself lasts through June 11.
Part of the fun of covering computer setups for Cult of Mac is seeing how a setup is never “done.” Blood, sweat, tears and time may go into it, but it will always need something — whether that’s missing functionality, better decoration or the next generation of a key device.
Today’s featured M2 MacBook Air setup is a good example. Since we featured an earlier version of it just weeks ago, the user made important changes. He added two components to maximize crucial iPad functionality and pump up audio.
We’ve seen more M2 MacBook Pro laptops lately in Setups than M2 MacBook Air machines, but today’s featured setup bucks the trend. Its M2 MacBook Air drives a 34-inch LG 4K IPS display.
But it’s the setup’s audio gear that may grab your attention. AirPods Pro (2nd gen) make the cut, as do two other sets of premium earphones, outstanding speakers and one of Sony’s super-high-end Walkman MP3 players.
The sometimes-overlooked heroes of computer setups are stands and mounts. They make a big difference. They free-up space on the desk. They bring screens to eye level for better ergonomics. And they can even help turn a one-display setup into a three-display workstation, as they do in today’s featured MacBook Pro and iPad mini rig.
The user relies on one main external monitor — a Studio Display — but raising the MacBook and the iPad up to eye level and using Universal Control gives him three prominent screens. And that’s without having to buy and make room for multiple external monitors.
If you’ve got one of Apple’s wonderful iPads, you need a case to keep it safe. And the cool thing about iPad cases and folios is that they often serve as both protective cases as well as stands. Some even store your Apple Pencil.
And right now you can take 20% off every SwitchEasy iPad case in the Cult of Mac Store. That gives you a choice of 12 different products and a savings of up to $10 each. The sale goes through Thursday, March 2.
This week’s giveaway will let five lucky winners get their hands on a convenient 360 Rotating Universal Tablet Stand from Lululook. Available in two sleek colors, space gray and silver, this rock-solid iPad stand will definitely complement your device.
Enter below for your shot at winning this sturdy stand, which retails for $39.99.
Apple has started selling refurbished iPad mini 6 and M1 iPad Pro models through its Certified Refurbished store in the US. Both these tablets launched in 2021.
Depending on the iPad you want, you can save up to $320 by buying a refurbished unit.
Apple’s rumored foldable iPad could feature a carbon-fiber kickstand. While expensive, carbon fiber is durable and would help keep the device’s weight in check.
TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo thinks the foldable iPad might launch in 2024 with an all-new design.
Since ancient times, the legendary unicorn has been described as a horse-like creature with a single horn projecting from its forehead. Considered magical and unique, the mythical beast has come to signify a one-of-a-kind treasure.
The only iPad case we’ve found that comes close to fitting that description is Zugu Case. It’s just right in so many ways, no matter which iPad you have. That’s what makes Zugu the unicorn of iPad cases.
There’s bad news for those ready for a folding iPad. Apple is not working on a small folding tablet to replace the iPad mini, according to a reliable source of inside info.
Still, a new version of the iPad mini with a faster processor is on the way.
Ahoy there, would-be video streamers — today’s featured computer setup comes from an airtight and seaworthy pro streaming operation you might want to emulate.
The folks behind Sailing Illustrated streams shared their rig, based on a Mac Studio, an M1 Mac mini, an M1 MacBook Pro, a Rode RodeCaster Pro production studio and a slew of related gear and software.
It’s not easy to find the perfect iPad case, whether you’re walking around with a little iPad mini 6, a standard 10.2-inch iPad or the latest 12.9-inch iPad Pro. But it gets a lot easier if you know about Zugu Case. The company’s practical and attractive cases are among the highest-rated and best-reviewed iPad cases in the world for a reason.
So cease your searching. You just found the Zugu iPad case you didn’t know you were looking for.
We enjoy seeing computer setups grow and change. We last looked at today’s featured setup when its user described it as “temporary” back in June. Since then it has metastasized into a monstrous beast with a maxed-out Mac Pro, a 16-inch M1 Max MacBook Pro, a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, iPad mini and dual Pro Display XDRs.
And the custom-made desk with lights against a dramatic backdrop of 3D wall panels really enhances the setup, too.
New iPads are definitely on the horizon. However, if you have a tight budget, you can still add an iPad to your kit or upgrade from an older model thanks to our Apple Day celebration. You can get a refurbished iPad mini 4 for $225.99 through Apple Day (October 21).
You won’t find Apple’s most portable tablet at a better deal than this. The most-recent iPad mini is now an amazing $100 below its usual price.
A great discount like this won’t last – if you want this petite but powerful computer, you’d better move now.
Grid Studio disassembles well-loved gadgets and presents their rearranged innards as framed wall art. And its nostalgic collection for Apple fans just got two new entries.
The collection now includes a fourth-generation iPod Classic and a first-generation iPad mini for your aesthetic consideration.
Amazon has discounted the iPad mini 6 with cellular connectivity to its lowest ever price of $549.99 — a sweet $99.01 off its regular price.
The deal is also available on the tablet’s 256GB variant, albeit in specific colors.
If you own an iPad mini 6, Lululook’s magnetic stand can turn your tiny tablet into a miniature iMac. And this week, we’re teaming up with Lululook to give away five of these great stands, which retail for $80, to five lucky winners.
Enter below for your chance to win.
Select iPad mini 6 users are having trouble charging their device after installing the iPadOS 15.5 update. Apple is aware of the problem and investigating the cause behind the problem.
The problem seems to be related to software and is not a hardware one.
Display analyst Ross Young has debunked a rumor claiming the iPad mini 7 could debut with a 120Hz ProMotion display. He says it would be surprising if the next iPad mini comes with a higher refresh rate display.
Unlike the iPad Pro series, the iPad mini features a regular 60Hz panel. The higher refresh rate allows the Pro models to offer a smoother experience.
The petite but powerful 2021 iPad mini is currently available with up to an 18% discount on Amazon. This brings its price down from $499 to $409.
You can also score up to $50 off on the Wi-Fi + cellular variant of the tablet.
You’d probably no sooner carry around your iPad mini in public without a case than you would your MacBook Pro. But you can keep the slim form factor and terrific portability of your tablet while keeping it safe by slipping it into an Elago Smart Folio Case.
And what’s more, Elago just put out a new product that goes with iPads and the Apple Pencils that work so well with them. The Elago Apple Pencil Holder is a super-secure and protective sleeve for a stylus that fixes strongly to a tablet or its case.
And best of all, two versions of the folio are a great deal in the Cult of Mac Store, as is the Pencil holder — all detailed below.
Apple shipped 4.6% fewer tablets in the first three months of 2022 than it did during the same period of 2021, according to a market research firm. The iPad-maker blames the shortfall on the global chip shortage preventing it from making enough devices to meet demand.
This is the second quarter in a row that iPad shipments have been hurt by component shortages.
There’s never been a better time to buy an iPad mini 6, the brilliantly redesigned model from 2021. You can pick up Apple’s smallest tablet at its smallest price yet: an amazing $99 below the usual cost for the base model. And those willing to upgrade to more storage can save $109.
This deal is just in time for Mother’s Day. Plus Father’s Day and high school graduations are also coming up. An iPad mini makes a great gift!